Image Source: BBC
Palace vs Man City brings a fascinating early-season Premier League contest to Selhurst Park on Friday, 28 August 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST, with Manchester City looking to build on their opening-day victory while Crystal Palace aim to recover from defeat at Everton.
City began their campaign with a 2-1 win against Bournemouth, while Palace were beaten 2-0 at Goodison Park. The contrasting starts have placed Manchester City eighth in the early table with three points and Crystal Palace 16th without a point.
Palace vs Man City team news revealed
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has selected Dean Henderson as captain in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Chris Richards and Jérémy Canvot form the defensive line, with Tyrick Mitchell, Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton and Abdulrahman Khalaili across midfield.
Yéremy Pino and Eddie Nketiah support Jørgen Strand Larsen in attack. Palace will be without Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is injured, while Ismaïla Sarr also misses the match with a groin problem.
Sarr’s absence comes amid reports linking him with Liverpool. BBC Sport reported that Liverpool were exploring a possible move after having bids for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh rejected. Palace are understood to be reluctant to sell Sarr, who scored 21 goals last season, although both clubs have denied that a bid has been made.
Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has named Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Joško Gvardiol, Marc Guéhi, Rúben Dias and Abdukodir Khusanov in defence. Elliot Anderson and Nico O’Reilly are the deeper midfield pairing, while Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden operate behind Erling Haaland.
Jack Grealish is not included in the Manchester City squad. His absence is likely to intensify speculation that he could leave the club before the transfer deadline. Sources cited by BBC Sport said the 30-year-old would prefer a return to Everton, where he spent last season on loan.
Haaland chasing another historic Palace goal
Erling Haaland has an extraordinary record in this fixture. The Norway striker has scored in all five of his Premier League appearances against Crystal Palace, registering eight goals in total.
That is the best 100% scoring record any player has recorded against a single opponent in Premier League history. Haaland did not score in City’s opening league match, making the fixture an obvious opportunity for him to open his 2026-27 account.
Palace’s defensive organisation will be tested throughout the evening, particularly if City’s creative players find space between the lines. Cherki supplied the assist for Gvardiol’s winner against Bournemouth and has been among the league’s leading providers of open-play assists since the start of last season.
Can Crystal Palace finally stop Manchester City?
The historical record strongly favours the visitors. Palace have won only two of their last 22 Premier League matches against Manchester City, drawing five and losing 15. The Eagles are also without a victory in their last nine league meetings with City.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League away games at Selhurst Park, winning eight and drawing three. Their last defeat there came in April 2015 under Manuel Pellegrini.
However, Palace have attacking qualities that could trouble an unsettled City side. The Eagles produced 1.96 expected goals from open play on the opening weekend, bettered only by Brighton. Their main weakness was finishing: Palace were the Premier League’s biggest open-play xG underperformers last season.
Adam Wharton could be central to Palace’s attempts to create chances. He recorded 13 line-breaking passes in the final third on the opening matchday, the second-highest total in the division, and won possession eight times.
Explosive transfer stories add pressure
Manchester City’s bench includes Ayyoub Bouaddi, who joined from Lille in an £86m deal just days ago. The 18-year-old is considered ready to feature after completing pre-season with his former club, although Maresca has stressed that the teenager must be introduced carefully.
City have also been linked with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández. Chelsea’s reported £120m valuation remains a major obstacle, and there has been no confirmed agreement. City supporters will therefore be watching the final days of the transfer window as closely as the match itself.
Chris Sutton predicted a 3-1 victory for Manchester City but warned that the visitors may be pushed all the way. With Palace needing a response and City seeking a second straight win, this promises to be a demanding test under the lights in south London.
FAQs about Palace vs Man City
When is Palace vs Man City?
The Premier League match takes place on Friday, 28 August 2026, with kick-off at 20:00 BST.
Where is the match being played?
The fixture is being played at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace’s home stadium.
Is Erling Haaland playing?
Yes. Haaland starts for Manchester City and will be seeking his first Premier League goal of the new season.
Why is Jack Grealish absent?
Grealish has not been included in the Manchester City squad amid speculation that he could return to Everton before the transfer deadline.
What is the head-to-head record?
Crystal Palace have won two of their last 22 Premier League meetings with Manchester City. City are unbeaten in their last 11 league visits to Selhurst Park.
